Health System in Far West NSW Faces Challenges
The health system in Far West New South Wales is facing a crisis, with a heavy reliance on fly-in locums and a lack of permanent staff. This was the stark warning issued by the chair of a parliamentary committee examining health services in the region.
The committee visited various health facilities, including the Broken Hill Base Hospital, Maari Ma Aboriginal Health Cooperation in Wilcannia, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. During their visit, they observed the ongoing overuse of locums, highlighting the need for better strategies to attract health professionals to remote and rural areas.
The committee's formation followed a scathing report on NSW Health in 2022, which outlined 44 recommendations to address the historic failures of both the commonwealth and state governments. These failures had led to workplace shortages and high travel costs.
While NSW Premier Chris Minns committed to implementing all 44 recommendations, the committee acknowledged the slow pace of change, particularly from the Commonwealth. They emphasized the need for continued efforts to improve the system, recognizing that positive change takes time.
Experts pointed out that the reliance on locums is not unique to NSW Health. Professor Emeritus John Cole from the University of Southern Queensland highlighted the issue of locums acting as an inhibitor for regional people accessing health services. He emphasized the importance of building strong patient-health professional relationships, which are often missed with locums due to their short-term presence.
Maari Ma Health chief executive Richard Weston stressed the need for a complete overhaul of how health is delivered in remote communities. He argued that solutions designed in Sydney or Canberra are not suitable for the unique needs of these areas and suggested that remote health districts could better serve the population outside of regional centers.
Weston also emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to attracting people to the Far West region, including good housing, social life, schooling, meaningful work, and attractive relocation incentives.
Professor Cole concluded by calling for a change in the way Australians view regional and remote communities. He challenged the perception of these areas as "second best," highlighting the many opportunities and benefits they offer.
The committee is expected to deliver its first report in the middle of the year, outlining their findings and recommendations for improving the health system in Far West NSW.